Ihlara Gorge

Exterior of a Byzantine cave church

There are more than a hundred cave churches in the valley, all with highly improbable  names.

Scenes from the life of Christ decorate the vaulted ceiling.  As is often the case these are in poor condition but it is possible to identify many biblical scenes.

Ibrahim patiently waiting.  We spent a wonderful two days touring the area with him.  He has a great sense of humour and a certain amount of notoriety as the village polygamist.  He tells us it is possible under Islamic law for him to have 4 wives.  As he currently had only two, Jean and I were tempted to sign on as numbers 3 and 4 so we could stay forever at Gamirasu.